Copper mine in a geologically interesting area

In 2014, we acquired the Kylylahti mine, which is located in the historic mining district of Outokumpu in Finland. Between 1914 and 1989, large quantities of ore containing copper, zinc, gold, nickel and cobalt were mined at the region.

When Kylylahti opened in 2012, it heralded a new beginning for the mining of base metals in a geologically interesting and mineral rich region. The operation includes the Kylylahti underground mine in Polvijärvi and the Luikonlahti processing plant at Kaavi, around 43 km from the mine area. Copper, gold and zinc concentrates produced at Luikonlahti are delivered to our smelters in Harjavalta and Kokkola.

Kylylahti in figures

Established: 2012

Acquired: 2014

Operating profit: 34 SEK m (2017)

Average number of employees: 110

Type of mine: underground

Mine depth: 800 metres

Did you know that...

once a mine is exhausted, reclamation work is carried out to restore the area to become a natural part of the landscape again? The restoration of a mining area is already determined at the mine planning stage.

Boliden Kylylahti production, 2017

In 2017, around 809 ktonnes of ore were processed into metal concentrates containing copper, gold and zinc.

The digital mine

Our mines are among the safest in the world. Because automation allows us to make workplaces that are already safe even safer for our employees, our mines are becoming increasingly digitized.

At Boliden, we are currently conducting a unique initiative to develop automation in mines. It is taking place in a cross-functional programme with employees from the entire group together with partners such as Volvo, Ericsson, Atlas Copco, Sandvik and ABB.

The goal is to keep production running non-stop round-the-clock, but the greatest gain is improved safety.